Hunter 18.5 vs Marlow-Hunter 40
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Marlow-Hunter 40 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 18.5 | Hunter 18.5 | Marlow-Hunter 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 41.3 ft12.57 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 36.0 ft10.97 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 13.2 ft4.01 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 5.2 ft1.57 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 19,700 lb8,936 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 6,027 lb2,734 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 1,006 ft²93.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 22.07 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 188 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 26.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.95 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 8.0 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Marlow-Hunter 40: the short version
- The Marlow-Hunter 40 is the larger boat at 41.3 ft12.57 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Marlow-Hunter 40 is heavier, displacing about 1131% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Marlow-Hunter 40 carries the more powerful rig (22.1 vs 17.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Marlow-Hunter 40 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Marlow-Hunter 40 rates better for offshore work (1.95 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.